Wondering where to eat in London? Living as close to the capital as I do has a lot of benefits, including being able to visit some wonderful London restaurants regularly. I’m excited to share my favourites with you.
London restaurants are expensive on the whole, but most of these offer good value for money considering the quality of the food and the dining experience. Some, like Le Gavroche and The Ritz are very expensive indeed. Please do check menus online so you can get an idea of what is on offer and the prices before booking.
Reservations are pretty much essential for all of the restaurants I have listed, so please do book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Please note, this post contains my unsolicited personal recommendations and I have not been compensated or incentivised in any way by any of the restaurants mentioned.
My Favourite London Restaurants
Theo Randall at The InterContinental
Located at The InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane, Theo Randall at The InterContinental is a great example of Italian Fine Dining and one of our favourite London restaurants.
The service is attentive and friendly with staff really going above and beyond to ensure your experience is outstanding. This is the perfect location whether you are sharing a romantic dinner for two or dinner with family and friends. The food is consistently outstanding. Menus change with the seasons and Theo Randall is famous for his tasting menus. I have so many favourite dishes we generally go a la carte.
The dishes I can especially recommend include the Cappelletti di Vitello, (homemade pasta stuffed with veal, pancetta, porcini mushrooms and Parmesan), Orata al Forno (roasted sea bream) and the steak. The Linguini Arogosta is the best lobster linguini I have ever had anywhere in the world.
Unlike many restaurants headed up by a celebrity chef, Theo Randall is generally at the helm of the kitchen personally, which is really refreshing. He’s very friendly and will often come and chat to diners. If you are really lucky, you may even get to visit the kitchen.
The Brasserie of Light at Selfridges
With a modern, eclectic vibe, great service and really delicious food, The Brasserie of Light offers an excellent dining experience. The interior is quite simply fabulous and includes a 24 foot crystal encrusted statue called Pegasus by Damien Hirst which spreads its wings over the majority of the tables in the restaurant.
The menu at the Brasserie of Light is delicious, seasonal and very inventive. Don’t miss their extensive cocktail menu and really creative, mouthwatering desserts. We have been here on several occasions and the food, service, and atmosphere are consistently excellent. Whether you just fancy a cocktail, a light bite to eat, or you are after a three course celebration meal, this is the place.
There isn’t a dress code, but most people are fashionably dressed. It’s best to book in advance, although there are occasionally some tables available to walk-ins. And ladies, be sure to check out the restroom – it’s absolutely gorgeous!
45 Jermyn Street
One of the collection of restaurants at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly, 45 Jermyn Street is located just behind the department store at its signature address. With a relaxed but elegant bistro vibe, excellent service and a creative seasonal menu, this is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Favourite dishes for breakfast include Eggs Florentine and Crushed Avocado with Toast and Virgin Mary Sauce (I always add two poached eggs). During asparagus season you can order boiled eggs with asparagus spears to dip in – it’s heavenly! All the menus, including lunch and dinner, are seasonal and ever changing, but I can always find something delightful to enjoy. The bar is absolutely beautiful and offers an extensive wine list as well as some really lovely cocktails.
Dress is smart casual. 45 Jermyn Street is almost always busy so I definitely suggest booking in advance, even for breakfast.
The Ritz Restaurant
The Ritz Restaurant is probably London’s most beautiful restaurant with a dining room reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. Located in The Ritz Hotel at 150 Piccadilly, this Michelin starred restaurant is a delight. Executive Chef, John Williams, MBE, is at the helm, and the menu is seasonal, innovative and incredibly creative. I had the best Dover Sole of my life here, and my whole family highly recommend the Crêpes Suzette.
Friday Live at The Ritz is a great opportunity to enjoy live entertainment as well as an exceptional dinner. My son and his partner are pictured in The Ritz Dining Room above. We thoroughly enjoyed the live swing dance band, great vocalists, and professional dancers. Diners are encouraged to get on the dance floor too!
If dinner is too much of splurge, going to The Ritz Restaurant for breakfast. It’s a great opportunity to see this beautiful dining room. Between us, my family and I have pretty much tried everything on the menu, and there’s nothing I would not recommend.
Dress is formal. Men must wear jacket and tie for dinner. Ladies may wear smart trousers, but at dinner you will definitely feel more comfortable in a skirt or dress. Jeans and sports shoes are not allowed.
Kutir
If you enjoy Indian food, Kutir is sure to be a treat. Located in a Chelsea townhouse, this elegant yet cosy restaurant features the best of modern Indian cuisine. Kutir also features cocktails and an excellent wine list. We ordered a selection of dishes to share and had a wonderful evening exploring the extensive yet approachable menu. Service is friendly and efficient, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you aren’t sure what to order.
London Restaurants – Knightsbridge
Signor Sassi
I can’t believe it took me so long to discover this wonderful hidden gem. Tucked around a corner just across from Harrods, Signor Sassi is a buzzing, popular Italian restaurant. You definitely need a reservation!
The atmosphere is really vibrant, the menu extensive and the service is exceptional. If you enjoy seafood as I do, you will love their Lobster cocktail and Salmon in Champagne Sauce. However, there are some clearly marked vegetarian dishes as well as a great selection of classic Italian meat dishes. Not surprisingly, their pasta dishes are exceptional. You won’t want to pass up dessert either.
My & Sanne
My & Sanne is a great all-rounder, perfect for lunch, coffee and dessert, or a relaxed yet elegant dinner. The first thing you notice when you enter the restaurant is the gorgeous decor – from walls to the ceiling, there are flowers everywhere. The second thing you notice is the glass case full of the most beautiful cakes, pastries and macarons!
My & Sanne is all about pretty – with gorgeous cocktails, mocktails and absolutely beautiful desserts. The menu has a Mediterranean vibe and also features Greek, Italian and Asian-inspired dishes. The menu is small but perfectly formed. Favourites include the Padron Peppers (perfect for sharing) and their Superfood Salad, either topped with chicken or the salmon fillet from their main dishes. Their homemade pasta is delicious – particularly the Homemade Tagliatelle with Pulled Lamb Shoulder, Spinach and Saffon and Pecorino. There’s a great selection of fresh and delicious side dishes as well. Their coffee is excellent and you definitely want to leave room for dessert.
We have visited for lunch and dinner but they also serve breakfast and the menu looks very tempting. One day I’m going to visit just for coffee and dessert!
Harrod’s Social by Jason Atherton
Craving hearty, locally-sourced food cooked by a Michelin-starred master? Look no further than Jason Atherton’s restaurant on the lower ground floor of Harrods. Simple yet sublime dishes, layered with delicate flavours, feature at this friendly, modern venue. The dishes I enjoy most include the Caesar salad and almost any of the fresh fish dishes, especially the halibut. My husband almost always orders their Heritage breed rib eye steak. There’s an excellent wine list and some rather fabulous desserts as well.
You are definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants in London. I am always looking for new and different places to eat in the capital and I look forward to sharing them with you.
Disclaimer: This post contains my honest opinions and the advice I give to friends. None of our experiences were gifted and we paid all our own expenses. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Most of the restaurants mentioned will need to be booked in advance. Visit restaurant and venue websites for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms.
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